FORT HOOD, Texas - After almost two years of nearly non-stop activity, from garrison mission requirements to pre-deployment training, the Soldiers and Families of the 3rd Armored Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division bade farewell to the brigade command sergeant major in a ceremony at Abrams Field House Feb. 14.
As rain forced the brigade indoors, Command Sgt. Maj. Trevor Walker relinquished responsibility for the brigade to Command Sgt. Maj. Alfred Ronneberg.
Walker has stewarded the brigade through a whirlwind of operations, from the brigade redesign, to multiple gunneries and field training exercises, to a successful rotation at the National Training Center in Fort Irwin, California, in preparation for the unit's upcoming deployment to Kuwait.
He characterized his tenure with Greywolf with one word: busy.
"It seems like from Day 1, we hit the ground running, and we have not slowed down at all," said the North Fond du Lac, Wisconsin, native.
Even with the break-neck speed of brigade operations in the last two years, Walker said the Soldiers of Greywolf are still going above and beyond and making him proud.
"No matter what you're doing and how fast paced we are going, we have Soldiers and NCOs that step up to the plate to win Soldier and NCO of the Year competitions," said Walker, who is in his 27th year in the Army. "We have guys and gals going to the Audie Murphy Club boards and being the only ones picked from division and corps level as well. We have Soldiers going all the way up to the FORSCOM level for career counselor of the year competitions. Those are my proudest moments."
Walker is moving on to serve as the U.S. Army Engineer School regimental sergeant major in Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri, an assignment that punctuates an already stellar career.
"I think 27 years ago, I told myself, I'm never going to be that guy, because I'll never be able to go that high," he said. "But we've come full circle, and I'm that guy. I'll be the 18th regimental sergeant major for the engineer school. It's exciting, because now I'm part of history, something that I never thought I'd be a part of. It's a big deal in the engineer community to be that person in that position, because only 17 others have reached that level. This will take me to the 30-year mark. It's a great way to go out too."
"To my wingman, Command Sergeant Major Walker, you've been exactly what not only I needed but this formation needed - a strong, quiet professional who demands excellence," said Col. John Woodward, the 3rd ABCT commander. "Through our train-up and our NTC rotation, we developed a bond that I'll never forget and greatly appreciate."
Woodward also spoke of his excitement to welcome Ronneberg.
"This ceremony isn't all sad, though. As we bid farewell to the Walkers, we eagerly welcome Command Sergeant Major Ronneberg to the team," Woodward said. "He's extremely qualified to do this job, and in my short time with him, I've been very impressed. He's an old scout, so we already speak the same language."
Ronneberg comes to 3rd Brigade from a position as a battalion command sergeant major in 3rd Armored Brigade Combat Team, 1st Armored Division. He hails from La Puente, California, has served in the Army for 28 years, and takes the reins as senior enlisted advisor just ahead of a deployment to Kuwait in support of U.S. Central Command.
"I'm really looking forward to this deployment and leading these great Soldiers with my new wingman," Woodward said.
When Woodward handed Ronneberg the unit colors, he was also charged with the responsibility for the well-being of the Soldiers and Families of the brigade.
"Colonel Woodward, thank you for giving me this opportunity," he said. "I look forward to serving as your command sergeant major and to serving the Troopers and Families of the brigade. Every Soldier has a sergeant. Officers are no exception. I will strive everyday to do my best as your senior enlisted advisor."
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